FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Depending on the pools normal evaporation. It is about 1″ per week. When the days are warm and the nights cool evaporation is at it’s highest. Usually in the winter months.

How long should my filter run each day

Your pool filter is the most important component in keeping your swimming pool clean. Ideally, a filter should run all the time for maximum circulation and debris removal. A minimum of 8 hours a day in summer and 4 to 6 hours per day in the winter is highly recommended.

When should I run my pool filter

To retard chlorine evaporation, maximize water clarity and prevent algae your pool filter should run during the hottest part of the day.

Why is my pump making loud noises

There are several reasons why this can be occurring. The pump motor bearings are failing and the motor needs to be replaced. There could be a partially blocked suction line causing pump noise in the way of cavitation. Give us a call to diagnose the problem for you.

How often does my pool filter need to be cleaned

This is dependent upon several factors. (the size of your pool, size of your pool filter, the type of pool filter you have, bather and contaminant loads we recommend a minimum of once a month complete filter cleaning and a minimum of once a year filter cartridge replacement.

How do I select a filter, and what are the pros and cons

There are several types of filters and each is outlined below with a short description. For more information on what might be right for your application please give us a call. Bacteria and algae particle size are measured in microns. The smaller the micron the finer it is to detect with the human eye.

SAND – This is very easy to use, however frequent backwashing, which is necessary to clean the sand in the filter, uses a lot of chlorinated water, which essentially wastes the chlorine and water. (SAND FILTERS CAN PICK UP 50 TO 100 MICRONS, THE LEAST EFFICIENT)

D.E. – (Diatomaceous Earth) This is the least common filter that provides the best water quality, however, it is the most difficult filter to use and requires a lot of attention. (D.E. FILTERS CAN FILTER UP TO 2 MICRONS, THE MOST EFFICIENT)

CARTRIDGE – This is the most popular and user-friendly filter which provides water clarity similar to that of a D.E. filter, however the replacement cartridges for the filter have to be replaced annually. (CARTRIDGE FILTERS CAN FILTER UP TO 3 0-50 MICRONS)

Yes we do. Most variable speed pool pumps can pay for themselves in about 1 year with reduced electric consumption. Standard pool pumps can consume as much energy as all other home appliances combined-often costing more than $1,000 per year! IntelliFlo® and IntelliPro® Variable Speed pumps can typically cut energy use up to 90%, generally saving up to $1,500 in utility costs annually-more where rates are higher than average.

What is cyanuric acid

Cyanuric acid, also referred to as “conditioner” or “stabilizer” is added to swimming pools and spas to slow down the decomposition of chlorine from the sun’s ultraviolet rays (UV). With the correct cyanuric acid levels, it can save up to 80% of normal chlorine consumption during peak sunny months. The level should not exceed 100 PPM. Ideal range is 50-80 PPM.

Why does my pool/spa need to be chlorinated

Pools should be disinfected continuously by a chemical which imparts a residual effect. Chlorine is a type of “disinfectant”, also called a “sanitizer”. Disinfects or sanitizers destroy living microorganisms and bacteria, preventing the transmission of disease. There are several types of disinfectants, such as chlorine, bromine, salt chlorination, ozone, and UV light. Pools need a disinfectant with a measurable residual.

Do you service salt pools

Yes we do. More and more of our customers are switching to salt chlorination. Interested in switching” style=”glass-blue”] Give us a call!

Is a salt chlorinated system better than the traditional hand chlorinated system

Salt chlorinators do have many advantages over the traditional hand chlorinated system. But there are pros and cons to each. Give us a call to review your options.

How often should I change the water in my pool

When your TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) are in excess of 2,000 PPM. Approximately every 3 to 5 years.

What is TDS

The sum total of all the dissolved material in the water is called “total dissolved solids” or TDS. Sources of TDS in the water include disinfectants, balance chemicals, calcium hardness, source water, bather waste, algaecides, total alkalinity, wind blown dust and dirt, phosphates, nitrates, and sulfates.

Should I change my own water

Only if you have a submersible pump and are familiar with adding start up chemicals (Cyanuric Acid, Stain Out, Chlorine, Acid). Draining a pool using the pool filtering pump usually will not work once the water level drops below the skimmer and is a lot of strain on your pump. We offer a draining service with balancing of chemicals once refilled.

What are phosphates

Phosphate is the major cause of algae in swimming pools. Phosphate and nutrients are required by all living organisms, including algae to survive and flourish. Phosphate is introduced to pool water from a variety of sources including rain, runoff from lawns and gardens, fertilizers, bird seed, plant material, pool fill water such as bores, dust, suntan oil and leaves. With time all of these sources will cause a build up and increase the concentration of phosphate in the water and progressive algae growth. There are phosphate removers available to reduce the level of phosphate in your swimming pool water below 100ppm or as close to a zero reading as possible. We can provide a phosphate treatment on request.

How often do I need an acid wash

Typically every 5 to 7 years a pool should be drained and acid washed to remove discoloration caused by chemicals. An acid wash is, put simply, purposeful stripping of a tiny layer of plaster, exposing fresh plaster beneath.

An acid wash will generally remove superficial stains, fine scale deposits, and various colored deposits from the plaster. The process strips off (dissolves) a very thin layer of plaster, and will therefore generally restore 75 to 85% of the plaster’s brightness. An acid wash will not remove heavy deposits or stains that have penetrated through many layers of plaster.

As a rule, acid washing a pool should be done only by a licensed professional.

My hair turns green when I swim, is this caused by the chlorine

No. Exposure to metals dissolved in the water, particularly copper, iron, and manganese causes your hair to turn green. When metals attach to the hair shaft and are oxidized by the chlorine, they can leave behind a green residue. To remove the metals from your hair use a swimmer’s shampoo which contains the chelating chemical ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA).

Is it ok for my dog to swim in the pool, or drink the pool water

Dogs love to swim in the swimming pools. However, chlorinated water is not good for dogs. The chlorine can remove the natural oils from the dog’s body and cause dry, itchy skin. Also, too high of a sanitizer level can irritate the dog’s esophagus if they drink the pool water.

Is it safe to swim with my pool/ spa light on

We do not recommend swimming with your pool lights on unless you have a GFI (GFCI- Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) and check it monthly by pressing the “test” then reset button. If the button does not depress when pushing “test” then “reset” your GFI might be bad and is not safe to swim.

There's water in my pool light fixture, is it safe

NO. Absolutely not. This means the seal or cord are leaking and you need to install an entirely new pool light fixture.

There's water in my pool light fixture, can it be drained and resealed

NO. Absolutely not. Water and electricity do not mix. This is one area Perfect Pool will not make exceptions because it could cause serious shock or death. Once water seeps in a fixture whether from the light seal, fixture or cord we must replace the fixture with an entirely new pool light fixture. Our liability and your safety and life are not worth a few hundred dollars.

My pool and spa lights both stopped working at the same time, how can that be

A direct short. If your GFI is constantly tripping or will not stay reset give us a call. Likely one of your fixtures is shorted out and/ or has water in it. In this situation it is not safe to swim with the pool lights on.

Why should I use a pool service

CONVENIENCE: Many of us simply can not afford the time it takes to maintain a pool on a regular schedule. We do the work and take the time to inspect the pool and the equipment for proper operation. If small parts are needed, they are obtained and installed on the next service date, saving you an inconvenient trip to the pool store. No need to lug home gallons of acid and chlorine in your vehicle and find a place to store them safely when not in use.

COMPETENCE: We are experts, because we maintain pools for a living. Knowing what it takes to obtain the proper water chemistry is what we do daily. We know what to do if we spot an algae bloom. As with most things, consistency is critically important and that is why we come on the same day every week. We notice changes in the water balance and adjust accordingly.

COST EFFECTIVE: It will cost you a little more for us to maintain your pool, but probably not that much. You will probably spend an average of $30.00 to $40.00 per month for the necessary chemicals, including chlorine tablets, muriatic acid, shock treatments and chemical test kits. For only a few dollars a week more, we will come to your house and do it all for you.

What is your time worth

Lets do the math, If you spend an estimated 1 hour per week x 4 weeks per month cleaning your own pool and lets say you earn $20 per hour at your job $20 x4= $80 plus you are spending $30 to $40 per month on chemicals (and time to pick up chemicals). It’s costing you $120 per month at best to clean your own pool.

Where should the pool water level be during normal operation

At least 2/3 up to the skimmer opening on pool side.

How do I add water to my spa/pool

Some new pools have an auto-fill float valve. For everyone else you will have to use a garden hose from home hose bib, possibly utilising a hose water timer.

If I have a pool service do I still need an automatic vacuum

No you do not need one. But we do recommend it! An automatic vacuum can assist in keeping your pool cleaned in between visits. After all, out of 10,080 minutes in a week we are only at your home for 30 of those.

If I have a pool service do I still need to empty my baskets

Yes! We highly recommend assisting us in emptying your skimmer and pump baskets especially during the fall/ windy season. If your baskets are overflowing the leaves will impair the water circulation and your pump will run dry.

Is it ok to drain my pool for the winter

NO! A pool should not be drained for more than a couple of days. Without water your plaster will crack and in very rare instances where water tables are high pools have actually risen or popped out of the ground.

When it rains excessively will the water cause my pool to flood my home

Yes the worst scenario could cause flooding. The simple installation off a drain of valve will enable you to prevent this very nasty experience. Once installed the simple turn of a valve connected to a hose will enable you the homeowner or your technician to adjust your pool level to a desired level to prevent flooding. Contact us direct via phone, email or text to schedule this simple procedure. Dont assume because your pool is a new install that it has drain off facility.

How long does it take to heat my pool

This would depend on the size of the pool and the BTU rating of the heater. On average an electric heat pump will raise the temperature at a rate of about 1 degree per hour.

How long does it take to heat my spa with a gas heater

An average sized spa 580 gallons with a gas pool heater should take approximately 45 minutes to get from 55* to 104* If it is taking substantially longer your heater is too small or it needs service.

How long does it take to heat my spa with an electric heat pump

If you have an electric heater then you have a portable spa/ hot tub and it must be covered when heating it. If you do not have a cover, get one right away. Portable spas are made to be heated and stay heated. Electric heat elements heat water very slowly at approximately 4 to 5 degrees per hour. It takes approximately 6 to 8 hours typically to get to 104* which is why it must stay covered to retain the heat.

Why are your rates higher than my old “pool guy”

Quite simply because we are professionals. We may not be the cheapest service out there, but we are the best!! Your “old pool guy” is your old pool guy for a reason. We always show up, we always do a great job, we always care about your pool, and we always make your pool look better than it ever has before. Besides, how much are you really saving if your other service doesn’t show up and algae starts growing in your pool. Now you are stuck paying someone else to come in and clean up the mess. Or because he walks in and out of your yard in 2 minutes, or his chemical imbalance puts holes in your skimmer and pool heater and causes copper sulfate staining in your new plaster and he never notices a leak in your equipment or a motor that is running too high or running dry. As a result he ends up costing you hundreds and hundreds of dollars in repairs. As the saying goes “The cheap comes out expensive in the end.”

How will I know when my pool is serviced each week

An attendance card is placed in your timer box over by your pool equipment which the technician will initial each week. An alternative location can be agreed upon.

I have dogs/cats. Can you still service my pool

No – All dogs/cats etc must be securely kept in your residence. We can not be responsible for pets escaping through pool doors whilst our technicians are working. Also we do not want our technicians to be put in any danger with vicious dogs. Your dog may be warm and friendly to you, but remember the pool guy is a stranger coming into your home with a cap on and a pole in his hand so your dog understandably will react differently. Keep them safe inside.

How do I obtain an estimate for weekly pool cleaning service

Contact us at (941) 488-9442 (phone or text) or Email: Perfectpool4you@yahoo.com

How do I obtain an estimate for pool equipment repair

Simply call. text or email us during business hours and let us know the problem you’re experiencing and the best time for us to come give you an estimate.

I am at work all day, how do I get an estimate for pool repair

No problem. Most of our customers work and are not able to meet a technician during business hours. As long as there is open access we can come anytime during the day and call, email or text you with a quote. Give us a call to schedule an appointment. Be sure to let our staff know we can come “anytime” on the specific day your appointment is set for. Or send us a photograph via your smartphone.

We send out a bill via email at the beginning of each month. Payment is due on 16th of each month. We accept personal checks, banker’s drafts or cash.

When is my pool repair bill due

All pool repair payments are due upon completion

If I make an appointment for a free estimate and forget to cancel the estimate before the serviceman arrives will I be charged

Yes. In this case we have an $85 service call charge that applies. It is important if you schedule a repair estimate/ appointment and cannot make the appointment or have had the problem fixed before we arrive that you call or email us right away

What happens if we cannot pay our bill

Call us! We do our best to work with all of our customers through financial difficulty. If you have an outstanding balance it is important you communicate with our office. We make every attempt to contact outstanding balances before collection efforts are enforced. Most accounts will be sent to collections and appear on your credit profile, a lien filed against your house, a lawsuit is filed in small claims. It is important to communicate to prevent any of the aforementioned means of collection, there are additional costs associated with collections that will be added to all outstanding balances.

What is pH

Simply put, water that is either too acidic or too alkaline will cause undesirable chemical reactions. If the water is too acidic, it will corrode metal equipment and cause skin irritation. If the water is too alkaline, it can cause scaling on the pool surface and plumbing equipment and can cloud the water. Ideal eye and pool PH is 7.4

Do you install salt systems

Yes, we install and convert freshwater to saltwater systems.

Do you install a drain off facility if my pool water level gets too high

Yes, we are capable of installing all types of drain offs.

Do you install gas heaters

A:Yes we carry a wide variety of gas heaters that we install. Hayward, Pentair, Rheem and Raypak.

Do you repair gas heaters

Yes, we will analyze and repair your current gas heater.

Do you do leak detection and repairs

Yes we are constantly are asked to detect leaks and repair the problems.

Do you install electric heat pumps

We carry a wide variety of electric heat pumps that we install. Hayward, Pentair, Rheem and Raypak.

Are you licensed and insured

A:Yes we are fully licensed and insured.

Are your technicians CPO qualified

Yes all our technicians are CPO and CPR qualified. They are all ex-vets.

Do you do remodeling

Yes we do all types of pool and deck construction. Your imagination and our expertise will create the Perfect Pool for you to enjoy!